UTSAV 2024
Madhav Jith Ampady
"In a world filled with celebrations and shared moments, Utsav stands as a shining example of unity and purpose. This student-led event not only embraces the vibrant spirit of Diwali but also channels it towards a greater cause—raising funds for charity. Just as the festival of lights symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the journey from darkness to light, Utsav brings together the community to celebrate culture, compassion, and collective impact."
Two nights. Two of the most exhilarating, mind-blowingly fun nights to ever mark the HSJS calendar. Every year, the planning committee for UTSAV toils to improve the event, and this year was no exception. From the second I walked into the hall and saw the decorations, I knew this UTSAV would be the best of the lot.
The performances did not let down the hype either. Every time a famous song came on, everyone who sang along—although horribly off-key—left UTSAV with a lost voice and great memories. But it was the performances that truly set this year apart, and they delivered on all fronts.
Dances
The Dance Performances were the heart and soul of the event, creating a captivating rhythm that echoed through the hall. From the graceful movements of Bharatnatyam, where each step and gesture seemed to tell a story of its own, to the energetic pulse of Bhangra that made everyone feel the beat in their bones, the variety of dances was mesmerizing. Each performance carried its unique flavor—classical elegance blending with the fervor of folk dances, as well as the irresistible charm of Bollywood dance routines that brought everyone to their feet. As the beats of "Kala Chashma" and "Illuminati" reverberated through the hall, you could see people of all ages swaying, clapping, and dancing in unity.
The fusion of styles was particularly striking—watching traditional dance forms meet modern choreography created a fresh, electrifying vibe that kept the audience on edge, eager to see what was next. The costumes were vibrant and colorful, perfectly complementing the dynamic performances, and each movement felt like a vivid splash of energy. The dances weren’t just performances; they were experiences, each one a celebration of culture and talent that left the crowd cheering for more.
School Performances
The Plays also added an extra layer of magic to UTSAV 2024. The plays were scripted to perfection, packed with wit, humor, and heart. From a light-hearted comedy that had the audience laughing uncontrollably, to a deeply moving heartbreak story that tugged at our emotions, the plays provided a welcome break from the dances and gave us a chance to sink into captivating stories. The actors delivered their lines with such passion and precision that every twist in the plot kept us on the edge of our seats. Each play wrapped up with rousing applause, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the creative minds behind these unforgettable theatrical experiences.
Live Music
The Live Bands added their own special spark to the event. The atmosphere was electric as the first chords of “Why This Kolaveri Di?” struck, sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. The soulful beat quickly gave way to more energetic tracks like “Ghungroo,” with its infectious rhythm, and the wild, sad vibes of “Badtameez Dil,” getting everyone to sing and dance along. As the night wore on, the bands kept the energy high, bringing us to a crescendo with their cover of “Bulleya.” The powerful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs had the entire hall swaying and clapping in unison, creating a sense of unity and pure joy. The live music was the perfect backdrop to the night’s festivities, turning every moment into an unforgettable experience.
DJ
Then the open floor DJ started. There's nothing better than pushing your way into the center of the mosh pit, dancing to FE!N, getting pushed around by sweaty people all around you, and not caring in the world about anything apart from the music that was on. The beats dropped hard, and the crowd surged, with everyone fully immersed in the energy of the music. It was a moment of pure chaos and joy, a fitting end to an evening full of high-energy performances and celebration.
And of course, the whole point of the event - raising money for charity. So now the big question arises, how much money was raised? For a total of three charities, Akshayapatra UK, Coffee for Craig and 42nd Street, a record-breaking amount, double the total raised at UTSAV 23, a whopping £10,460 was raised!
As the night ended, the tired goodbyes were exchanged and promises of future UTSAVs were made. With all the laughter, dancing, singing, and clapping, it was clear that UTSAV 2024 had set up a new bar. We walked away with sore feet, tired voices, but full hearts, eagerly anticipating what the next year will bring.
Madhav Jith Ampady, Year 13
Published on 2nd December 2024